Internationally Acclaimed New York Percussion Quartet Comes to Truman

Internationally acclaimed New York percussion quartet, Talujon, will be in residency at Truman State University’s Department of Music, Oct. 26-28. Michael Bump, associate professor of percussion at Truman, and the Truman Percussion Studio will host the quartet as part of a weekend of performances and master classes. 

Described by the New York Times as an ensemble possessing an “edgy, unflagging energy,” the Talujon Percussion Quartet has been mesmerizing audiences since 1990. With an annual schedule of more than 60 concerts, including a dozen premieres, Talujon is thoroughly committed to the expansion of the contemporary percussion repertoire as well as the education and diversification of its worldwide audience. Based in New York City, Talujon performs regularly at Alice Tully Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, the Kitchen, and the Knitting Factory. Talujon has appeared in universities and concert halls throughout the U.S., and on such festivals as Taipei’s Lantern Festival, BAM’s Next Wave Festival, Chautauqua, California’s Festival of New American Music, and Bang on a Can. The group has also given master classes/workshops at institutions such as the Juilliard School and New England Conservatory of Music.  

Talujon will present a master class for all interested at 2 p.m. Oct. 28 in Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall. Their concert will follow that evening at 8 p.m. in Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall. Admission is free. The program will feature Bump as a featured soloist with the quartet on two works. The first will be the world premiere of renowned Missouri composer Raymond Helble’s “Night Music.” This four-movement concerto for timpanist and percussion quartet was commissioned earlier this year by Bump, and made possible in-part through the Missouri Arts Council and Truman State University. The second work, “Studie II:  Epthyic,” was composed a few years ago by Bump, and also for solo timpanist and percussion quartet. It received its premiere at the 1998 Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Orlando, Fla.

This concert will serve as a precursor to a performance the ensemble and Bump will give at the 2007 Percussive Arts Society International Convention, Oct. 31-Nov. 3, Columbus, Ohio. Bump is serving as host/coordinator for the opening day of this year’s international conference, which annually attracts more than 6,000 percussionists. In addition, several of Truman’s music students will also be attending and serving as logistical assistants to the many artists performing.    

Talujon’s appearance is made possible in-part through assistance from the Truman State University Foundation. For further information, please contact Bump at 785.4052 or mbump@truman.edu.
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